Any real estate attorneys/experts out there?

What is the deal with breaking a lease in NYC. I should know this but it is not my specialty. I have to break my lease because my lease is over April 1st and I am getting married December 7th. They want me to pay a penalty and pay for 2months without occupying the apt for those two months and sign something saying I am leaving December 1st. I was told I am crazy if I send in 5,000 by certified check that they have my security deposit for one month and let them sue me for the other three months. What is the law and what are my options??? Thanks

Re: Any real estate attorneys/experts out there?

What does your lease say about the penalties if you break it? It should be spelled out there.

The one thing I believe to be true is that they can't charge you rent if they have filled the apartment. You would be responsible for any months it is empty though.

Re: Any real estate attorneys/experts out there?

How about posting ads in Village voice, and other papers? It may do wonders. Read your lease, if its anything like a standard lease, your landlord can sue you if he can't find a new tenant, and you're not paying. But if he can find a tenant, then he can't sue, or at least that's my understanding.

Post ads, and ask him to put it on the market, perhaps someone will take it.